James Franklin,

FRANKLIN, Mr. James "Jim" Benjamin,Jr. - Age 75, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2008. Family hour 10AM Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 735 Wager, with funeral service commencing at 11AM. Pastor James E. Waldon officiating. Interment River Rest Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10AM Saturday. Mr. James Benjamin Franklin, Jr. was born January 10, 1933 in Turrell, Arkansas, the son of Pearly Mae and James Franklin, Sr.. James and his family later moved to Kankakee, IL, where he earned his high school diploma from Kankakee High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam and Korean conflicts. In 1971, after proudly serving his county for 10 years, He retired from the Air Force as Staff Sergeant. After leaving the Air Force James and his family settled in Flint, Michigan, where he began a civilian career as a truck driver for Emro Propane Co. James hauled propane gas throughout Michigan for 20 years, during that time he opened a small convenience store with his second wife, Leticia Franklin. James and Leticia owned and operated “Franklin’s Min-A-Mart”. In 1994, after 15 years of service to the community, James and Leticia closed the store. James was then free to enjoy his retirement. He was a lifelong member of Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church, where his parents were founding members. He was actively involved in the church he so loved. James was a member of The Adult Choir, The Male Chorus, The Home Mission, and he was a dedicated participant in Sunday School. In addition to his church activities, James was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed going to football and basketball games, fishing, bowling, playing softball and pinochle. Mr. Franklin, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory: 4 daughters, Angela (Marvin) Hughes of Starkville, MS, Perlita (Lewis) Roberts, Lorena Franklin and Beatrice Kemp all of Flint; 4 sons, James B. (Jeanine) Franklin, III of Flint, Frank J. Franklin of Manassas, VA, Danilo A. Franklin of El Paso, TX and Jimmy Ho of Dayton, OH; sisters, Ethel (Willie) Clark of Chattanooga, TN, Mary J. Threlkheld, Pat (Joe) Taylor, Roslyn Manns and Dorothy Manns of Nashville, TN; brothers, James (Linda) Manns and Frank Manns both of Flint; sisters-in-law, Betty Akins and Anita Akins both of Flint; special cousins, Gladys (Herbert) Hicks of Marion, AR and the King family of Fort Wayne, IN; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends including special friend and caregiver, Helen Stewart. Mr. James Franklin, Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin, Sr., Pearly Mae “Big Mama” Akins and step-father, John “Big Daddy” Akins; 2 brothers, Lawrence “Doc” Akins and John Akins, Jr. and sister, Amy Akins. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Grand Blanc Township Police Department for all of your hard work and diligence in helping us bring our father home. Words will never express our thanks for all of your efforts. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Donate online at www.alz.orh or mail checks to: Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.

James Franklin,

January 10, 1933 - May 25, 2008